Alusky Dog Breed Pictures, Characteristics, and Facts – DogTime

The Alusky is an energetic, playful crossbreed beloved by those who maintain active lifestyles. This is a cross between the driven Alaskan Husky and the similar, larger Alaskan Malamute. For active dog parents, this breed is sure to only keep growing loyal fans.
The Alusky’s parent breeds have similar history. Almost solely a working breed, the lesser-known Alaskan Husky boasts an energetic personality. Although rarely kept as a pet, that doesn’t mean they don’t make good companions. Similarly, the Alaskan Malamute has origins in sled-pulling and hunting. They’re much more common as companion animals today. Although both breeds are frequently mistaken for wolf hybrids, which they are not, their energy could convince one otherwise. 
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Because the Alusky is a crossbreed, finding one up for adoption is not likely. Still, there are millions of dogs waiting for homes in shelters. When looking for a specific breed, make an effort to adopt from a shelter or rescue. It’s important to keep in mind how uncommon the Alusky is and how similar they may appear to other breeds. Shelters may not recognize them and simply list them as a Husky or Malamute mix.
Read on for a detailed list of characteristics of the Alusky.
(Photo Credit Left to Right: Bread and Butter Productions/Getty, Michael Steindl/EyeEm/Getty)
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. You can find a great jacket for your dog here!
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Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
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Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
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Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!
If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.
If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.

Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Dog parents who love exercise and playful personalities may find the Alusky to be the perfect match.
 
The Alusky is typically easy to train and responsive to their dog parents. However, with such a high drive dog with endless energy, it’s important to make training consistent and positive.. Daily training sessions of around five to ten minutes help this breed keep on track. Additionally, basic obedience classes with a professional trainer can be helpful, especially in puppyhood.
 
The Alusky is loyal and intelligent, but not a good match for beginner dog parents. They can be strong-willed and hard to exercise properly, as even very fit individuals may struggle to keep up. Ideally, they love walks or hikes surpassing five miles daily. This isn’t reasonable for all dog parents, but without proper stimulation, the Alusky will grow bored and frustrated- regardless of how much love there is for them. Additionally, this breed easily develops separation anxiety. Dog parents who are frequently home or able to bring pups to work are a good match for this breed.
 
The Alusky is a mixed breed, so they don’t have history as their own breed. Both parent breeds, however, are well known and loved. The Alaskan Husky is a sporting breed originating, as their name suggests, from Alaska. They are powerful working dogs, bred for activities such as sledding, not for conformation in show. As such, they can have a wide variety of weights and coat appearances. The Alaskan Malamute descends from some of the first domesticated dogs, having begun development into a distinct breed over 4,000 years ago. They were once used for hunting large, powerful animals like seals and caribou. Today, their claim to fame is largely based on dog-sledding.
 
The Alusky is a large sized mixed breed. They have no breed standard, so their coats may be found in a variation of colors. Alaskan Huskies can be found in almost any coloration and/or pattern, but are most often variations of brown, gray, or white with patches; the Alaskan Malamute is found in similar colors, but with wolf-like markings.
 
The Alusky is often good natured and loving, but also can be high energy and hyperactive. It’s crucial to work on socialization from a young age for this breed, as they need many opportunities to burn their energy off; reactivity to people or other dogs will limit them. Training them consistently when young will ultimately improve their quality of life (and yours) as an adult. It’s important to work on positive reinforcement training consistently and firmly, and to bring in a professional trainer if you feel that you’re starting to see behavioral issues.
 
While if the Alusky originates from responsible breeders, they are often healthy, there are some genetic predispositions towards health issues to be aware of with this crossbreed. 
 
Hip Dysplasia
 
Elbow Dysplasia
 
Hypothyroidism
 
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
 
Cataracts
 
The Alusky, like most breeds, needs daily exercise to feel content. With that being said, their exercise requirements are much higher than most similar-sized breeds. Ideally, this breed should receive at least an hour to two-hour long walk daily – but that isn’t enough to tire them out entirely. Additionally, they enjoy indoor or outdoor play like fetch or tug-of-war, and a fenced backyard to burn off that energy is pretty much a must-have for the breed. It is almost impossible to keep this breed satisfied without a ‘job’ to do, such as agility, herding, or other outdoor work. The Alusky is not a good fit for apartment dwellers, as they easily become vocal due to their parent breeds, whether they’re discontent or just expressing themselves, and their boundless energy makes them unsuitable for small spaces.
The Alusky should be fed a diet consistent with a large sized breed with high energy levels. They may enjoy seeking games such as hidden treats around the backyard in order to burn off some extra energy. Other food motivated tasks, like snuffle mats or filled toys, can help stimulate this breed’s active mind; they are often motivated by harder puzzle toys as well. Because all dogs are unique in their diet requirements, it’s best to consult your veterinarian to determine the best food to feed your pup.
 
The Alusky’s coat requires regular maintenance. They have thick double coats contributed by both parent breeds. This was helpful when the breeds originated in cold environments, but it’s not as enjoyable in a household when they blow their coats. Brushing should be performed at least several times a week to reduce shedding and mats, and encourage cleanliness. During summer months, this grooming may need to increase. Bathing is to be done on an as-needed basis, rarely more than once a month. As with all dog breeds, be sure to check on nail maintenance.
 
There are some factors to consider before adding the Alusky to your family. While this breed can be good with older children, they’re unlikely to be a good match for those with young children or plans to add to the family. While typically good-natured, their high energy means they might accidentally bowl over a young child; additionally, they are known to be mouthy. However, for dog-experienced older children, they can be a great match. These dogs typically get along well with other canine family members, provided they are within a reasonable size range match – they may play too roughly with smaller breeds. Due to the breed’s high prey drive, small animals and cats aren’t likely to be good matches. 
 
There are no breed specific rescues for the Alusky as they are a mixed breed. However, you can often find similar mixes of the Alaskan Husky or Alaskan Malamute. Additionally, similar breeds like the Siberian Husky or German Shepherd may be more widely available in local shelters. Whatever the circumstances, try opening your home to a rescue pup.
 

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